The Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie camp wrapped up another competitive day in Saskatoon on Thursday, and one of the biggest plays belonged to defensive back Austin McKinney.
McKinney stepped in front of a pass in the slot during team drills and returned the interception for a touchdown, highlighting another strong showing from the American defensive back as he continues to adjust to the Canadian game.
“It was a little closer today, we’re going to let the tape speak for itself,” Roughriders head coach Corey Mace said following practice. “Saw some nice plays being made on offence, a couple of turnovers on defence. A healthy battle, so we will see who comes out with the ‘W.’”
McKinney has been one of the more noticeable defensive players through the first two days of rookie camp, using his length and speed to make plays around the football. Mace said the coaching staff has been impressed with both the athleticism and energy the Michigan product has brought to the field.
“You look at his path in which he got here. We were able to put eyes on him a little bit earlier in the offseason. But everything has got to be consistent every single day, making sure we’re in the right spots even when we’re not near the ball.”
“What’s it look like when you’re not near the ball? Are you getting to it? So all those different intangibles, man, he’s going to continue to work on. Love his energy. Yeah, I could deal with guys like that all day.”
For McKinney, the transition north of the border has come with a learning curve. The defensive back admitted adapting to the CFL game hasn’t been easy, especially with the wider field and different rules.
“It’s been amazing,” McKinney said of his first experience in Canada. “Coach Bell has done a great job of informing the Americans of how the game is, all the rules, and even the head coach. It’s been amazing. It’s been a little tough, to be honest.”
“The field is a little bit bigger, a lot more space to cover. But I feel fully prepared with the coaching staff getting us right for the upcoming games.”
The athletic defensive back arrived in Saskatchewan after NFL opportunities with the Cleveland Browns and private workouts for the Roughriders in both Atlanta and Dallas. Before football became his full-time focus, McKinney also excelled in track and field, finishing sixth in Michigan in the long jump. He believes those athletic traits are helping him quickly adapt to the Canadian game.
“As you said, the athletic ability is there,” McKinney said. “And once I’m prepared as far as the game and the understanding of it, it just shows immediately.”
McKinney also made it clear he arrived at rookie camp with plenty of motivation after his NFL opportunity didn’t work out.
“Yes, most definitely,” he said when asked if he has something to prove. “I believe that I can compete at the highest level. I am more than thankful for the opportunity here, and I don’t want to let anybody down, and I want to prove myself right.”
While McKinney’s interception return stood out defensively, the offence also produced its share of highlights. University of Saskatchewan Huskies receiver Daniel Wiebe hauled in a deep 34-yard pass from quarterback Brayden Schager over defensive back D’Angel Mandell during team drills.
Mace said several players have continued to separate themselves as competition intensifies heading into the final rookie camp workout.
“Juju Hughes has been making some plays here the last couple of days. Really good player,” Mace said. “Justin Weaver has been doing some stuff. The Florida boys on offence, Freddie Swain and Tyrie Cleveland, they’ve been excellent, man.”
“It’s going to be tight competition amongst the rookies. And there are going to be some who are going to push the vets, too. So that’s a good issue.”
Rookie Camp continues at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon on Friday.
